When You Disagree With Your Doctor
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
Joined
·
188 Posts
Cricket, I'm laughing about avoiding drama with the doctor. I've done it. I find that many endocrinologists don't want their patients to control the diabetes so tightly that it results in too many lows. That's been my doc's main complaint to me when he looks at my read-out. My last A1C was 5.5, and he said that was too low and wanted me to get it up into the 6s. I just smiled and said, 'ok sure.' I read once that doctors want the numbers to be a little higher because they don't want to be liable for patients winding up in the hospital or dead. I don't know. I do what I know is good for me.
Joined
·
634 Posts
I just started with a new young doctor - I used to argue with my previous doctor and I feel that really strained the relationship. So this time I won't argue with the doctor but I may not do what he asks either - My doctor has not been living with Type 1 diabetes for over 52 years - I have
Joined
·
2,729 Posts
I do not feel I can be too contentious with my primary care provider.
I know my PCP is being held to a number of job-performance metrics that have little to do with patient-centered care and much to do with making money for the clinic and medical insurers. So I'm mindful of that when she tells me the clinic's protocol for diabetics over the age of mumble-teen is to have them start taking statins. I view that the same way I do the upsell at a store ("Do you want the maintenance agreement on that?"). I thank her for her concern and then I do what I believe is best for me.
I need my PCP. She writes my prescriptions (for non-diabetic issues) and fends off management ("Why isn't he on statins?"). She referred me for my pattern test and, as far as I can tell, wrote the referral so that it was covered by my health insurance (I never got a bill for it but the entire experience was a fiasco for other reasons). She lets me go a year between A1cs because I'm a "trusty" even though she could schedule me every 3-6 months to get some revenue.
So I've never lied to her. I respect her for what she does and for her willingness to let me be my own advocate and I believe she respects me for showing that I understand the biology and all behind what I'm experiencing medically and how I've managed my own health. No sense ruining that, IMHO.
Joined
·
14 Posts
Maybe its my age. I have always looked to any medical practitioner as someone who gives me advice and information. I choose my treatment.
I do not ignore my doctors advice nor take it lightly, but I insist on knowing the options and the risks and making the final choice.
Because of that when I need to change doctors I often see quite a few before I find one who is prepared to be honest and straight forward and accept that i will make decisions, not take orders.
I do not ignore my doctors advice nor take it lightly, but I insist on knowing the options and the risks and making the final choice.
Because of that when I need to change doctors I often see quite a few before I find one who is prepared to be honest and straight forward and accept that i will make decisions, not take orders.
Joined
·
223 Posts
I avoided arguing with my doctor. He says that I only need to measure fasting glucose (because I have type 2, not 1). But, I think it helps me stay on my diet if I measure a few times randomly.
I can't make it 2 hours without a small snack so I can see that it doesn't really matter but I ate less when I was more diligent about measuring.
I can't make it 2 hours without a small snack so I can see that it doesn't really matter but I ate less when I was more diligent about measuring.
Joined
·
14 Posts
In Australia our Government has decided that Type 2 Diabetics should not monitor unless they get a signed form from the doctor. Even then it lasts for 6 months and then expires. This means you get test strips for $15 a box of 100 instead of $50 a box.
They are of course right. There is no medical reason for all this measurement as it does not change medical treatment, HBa1C is used for that. They are also wrong as all the studies show far higher success rates for treatment with those Type 2 who actively monitor their BGL and are actively engaged in managing their health.
My experience has been knowing how I respond to exercise and foods has been important in managing my own health. Sometimes engaging a patient in the treatment of a medical condition can ,make that treatment very much more effective.
They are of course right. There is no medical reason for all this measurement as it does not change medical treatment, HBa1C is used for that. They are also wrong as all the studies show far higher success rates for treatment with those Type 2 who actively monitor their BGL and are actively engaged in managing their health.
My experience has been knowing how I respond to exercise and foods has been important in managing my own health. Sometimes engaging a patient in the treatment of a medical condition can ,make that treatment very much more effective.
Joined
·
10,673 Posts
I don't see my doctor much anymore, usually one of his three PAs. We usually differ in opinion and I do state my opinion when they offer me the standard teleprompter advice and recommendations. Tomorrows visit may provide me an opportunity to post in this thread again.
Joined
·
1 Posts
And I'm already losing faith in doctors 
I'm sorry if it sounded harsh. Still, I don't know who to turn to, who will take it and bring it to an end, if necessary, send it to a gastroenterologist or somewhere else (by the way, I've also been to a gastroenterologist, but on my recommendation already ). I have a skin problem, and I need to find a good dermatologist. Five doctors consulted me, and they all said the same thing. They show that they are not interested in my treatment. Only a specialist and a center vitalskinderm.com seriously took up my treatment. Let's see what happens...
I'm sorry if it sounded harsh. Still, I don't know who to turn to, who will take it and bring it to an end, if necessary, send it to a gastroenterologist or somewhere else (by the way, I've also been to a gastroenterologist, but on my recommendation already ). I have a skin problem, and I need to find a good dermatologist. Five doctors consulted me, and they all said the same thing. They show that they are not interested in my treatment. Only a specialist and a center vitalskinderm.com seriously took up my treatment. Let's see what happens...
Joined
·
2,729 Posts
lucineoka, welcome to our community! I'm glad you're here.
Doctors have such a critical role in helping us manage our health. It does get challenging when we're stuck with a doctor who is working off old information or doesn't have good relationship skills. That's why we encourage people to be in charge of their relationships with medical providers. Resources like this site can help by providing newer information and relating ways other members here have successfully advocated for ourselves.
There are some doctors out there who are new enough or open enough to "get it". They're not easy to find sometimes and some care systems give patients even less latitude than others in changing doctors who are not willing to step back a bit. But if you're encountering a more specific issue, mentioning it here at Diabetes Forum may help.
It would be great if you would take a moment to introduce yourself in our New Member Introduction forum. I hope to see more posts from you soon!
Doctors have such a critical role in helping us manage our health. It does get challenging when we're stuck with a doctor who is working off old information or doesn't have good relationship skills. That's why we encourage people to be in charge of their relationships with medical providers. Resources like this site can help by providing newer information and relating ways other members here have successfully advocated for ourselves.
There are some doctors out there who are new enough or open enough to "get it". They're not easy to find sometimes and some care systems give patients even less latitude than others in changing doctors who are not willing to step back a bit. But if you're encountering a more specific issue, mentioning it here at Diabetes Forum may help.
It would be great if you would take a moment to introduce yourself in our New Member Introduction forum. I hope to see more posts from you soon!
Joined
·
25 Posts
I agree with your doctor that you should be up into the 6's. Lows are more damaging the highs. Yeah the doctor doesn't want you dead. Or why bother treating you? And telling the doc OK sure doesn't help either one of you. I've been doing this for decades so I've seen a bit. I was online with a diligent group who did everything to maintain a sub 6 A1c. Everyone of them fell off the mission and hard. I could see why as it takes over your life. And when you fall, you tend to crash and burn. Several died, maybe a lot more as I moved towards a more moderate path.
Do I ever disagree? Yes. I live with it daily, not once every few months. I never lie to them. I will tell them if I will do something against their advice. For the last several years I run from 6.0 to 6.5 so I feel justified. I also don't live the same from month to month so I adjust. But I know, I have the experience. I made mistakes. Some because I thought that I knew better.
I have previously left doctors who dictate with no explanation. My current endo is very reasonable. I tell him my goal, and he explains why or why not that is a good goal. I did not have the same experience with a sleep doctor. I swear that the doc has never even looked at my chart (I have a slow heart, not sleep apnea). I now only see the NP or PA and we have a good working relationship - I tell her what I set my settings to and she writes them down. See ya next year. If you have to lie to your doc, you need a new doc IMHO.
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
